Can I help _now_ ?' 'Will you please explain to the dogs ?' said Lucy.

'It's their turn now.
The only way I know to kill Noah's Ark lions is to _lick the paint off_ and break their legs.

And if the dogs lick all the paint off their legs they won't feel it when we break them.' Polly hastened to explain to the dogs, and then turned again to Lucy.
'They asked if you're sure the ropes will hold, and I've told them of course.

So now they're going to begin.

I only hope the paint won't make them ill.' 'It never did me,' said Lucy.